INDIA. Mumbai: A website for contribution to Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund (AFBCWF) titled “Maa Bharati Ke Sapoot” was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a function organized at the National War Memorial Complex in New Delhi on Friday.
AFBCWF is a Tri-Service fund utilised to grant immediate financial assistance to the families of soldiers/sailors/airmen who lay down their lives or get grievously injured in active military operations.
While the Government has initiated a large number of welfare schemes for the soldiers killed or disabled during active combat operations, there have been requests from citizens, corporate heads, banks, and industry captains to contribute to the cause of the welfare of the soldiers and their families.
The website www.maabharatikesapoot.mod.gov.in will enable people to donate online directly to the fund. A certificate of online contribution can also be downloaded.
In his address, Singh paid glowing tributes to the valiant Armed Forces soldiers whose sacrifice and unwavering commitment keep the country safe from those external enemies. “Names of great personalities like Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Rani Laxmibai, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Ashfaqullah Khan will be etched in our hearts forever, and their sacrifices would continue to be an inspiration for all,” he said. He also urged people to contribute to the fund generously.
In a video message, Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, the ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ of the initiative, expressed his gratitude towards the families of the fallen heroes and exhorted people to come forward and contribute to the fund.
Singh also felicitated the next of kin of fallen heroes and disabled soldiers. Parents and relatives of many war-decorated soldiers graced the occasion.
The program included a rendering of a poem by Manoj Muntashir Shukla, Army Symphony Band and singer Mohit Chauhan, a martial arts performance by Gatka and Kalarippayattu teams of the Army, a duet by Dr. L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurthy and sharing of views by actor Sidharth Malhotra.
The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Vijoy Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral SN Ghormade and other civil and military officials. Olympics Gold medalist Sudebar Neeraj Chopra was also present.
The Indian Army, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, is maintaining an account for the fund. Besides online donations, the conventional systems of donations will continue. Donations can be made through a Demand Draft drawn in favour of the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund payable at New Delhi, which may be sent by post to the following address: Accounts Section, Adjutant General’s Branch, Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate, Room No 281-B, South Block, IHQ of Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi – 110011.
Alternatively, contribution can be made directly in the account of Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund. 1st Account: Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund, Bank Name: Canara Bank, South Block, Defence Headquarters New Delhi – 110011, IFSC Code: CNRB0019055, Account No: 90552010165915, Type of A/c: Saving
2nd Account: Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund, Bank Name: State Bank of India, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110011, IFSC Code: SBIN0000691, Account No : 40650628094 and Type of A/c: Saving.
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